Italy to relax lockdown from May 4

ROME: Italy would be opening its economic operations in various sectors like manufacturing, construction and wholesale May 4^th onwards. Giuseppe Conte, Italian Prime Minister, announced that people would also be allowed to visit with their relatives, provided they wear masks. Parks and other public spaces would also reopen on May 4, the Italian PM said in his national address. Following the first phase of reopening of these businesses, retailers, museums, public galleries and libraries would follow on May 18 and bars, restaurants, salons on June 1.

Conte also said that funerals are to be allowed with a maximum attendance of 15 people.

Announcing these measures which are veered towards restoring normalcy in the country, Conte observed that risks are still there and it is highly critical to maintain inter-personal safe distance.

The PM urged people to maintain social distancing, “for the love of Italy”. He noted in his speech,“ We are about to embark on the phase of living with the virus. We must be aware that the curve of the contagion could go back up in some parts of the country.”

In the past 24 hours, Italy has registered 260 deaths attributed to the virus, lowest since March 14. However, the total death toll stands at a devastating 26,644.